Which one is the better graphics card?

[Running Rampant]

Hi guys, I've got a Sapphire ATI Radeon X1650 256MB installed in my PC, and my G/F needs a better graphics card in hers. I looked for the best deal and found that another Radeon X1650 with 512MB was the best value for money. So I figured I'd swap out for the bigger memory and the G/F has the hand-me-down....makes sense right?

The thing is, the 256MB card is running with GDDR3 RAM and the 512MB has the typical DDR2. So which one is better?

I would still think that the 512MB card is better, but I wanted to make sure that was the case, thanks guys!

[stinger608]

yea I wouldn't think that there would be a noticable difference between the DDR2, and DDR3.

I would think that the 512 card would be a better graphic, gaming card than the 256.

[garetjax]

Originally Posted by Running Rampant

Hi guys, I've got a Sapphire ATI Radeon X1650 256MB installed in my PC, and my G/F needs a better graphics card in hers. I looked for the best deal and found that another Radeon X1650 with 512MB was the best value for money. So I figured I'd swap out for the bigger memory and the G/F has the hand-me-down....makes sense right?

The thing is, the 256MB card is running with GDDR3 RAM and the 512MB has the typical DDR2. So which one is better?

I would still think that the 512MB card is better, but I wanted to make sure that was the case, thanks guys!

It has been my experience that 512mb videocards make very little difference when it comes to pure performance. There are very few games or programs that take advantage of 512mb of videocard memory, let alone the 256mb that you have in your PC right now. I could be wrong, but spending the extra cash on a 512mb videocard solution which current programs and games do not yet take advantage of is a waste, in my opinion.

[screwballl]

why not step up to a X1950GT for around $180 or less?

[Tyreal]

Originally Posted by garetjax

It has been my experience that 512mb videocards make very little difference when it comes to pure performance. There are very few games or programs that take advantage of 512mb of videocard memory, let alone the 256mb that you have in your PC right now. I could be wrong, but spending the extra cash on a 512mb videocard solution which current programs and games do not yet take advantage of is a waste, in my opinion.

I agree with Garet. 512mb is overkill. If I had to choose, I'd take the 256mb of faster memory, and save some money in the process.

[garetjax]

Originally Posted by Tyreal

I agree with Garet. 512mb is overkill. If I had to choose, I'd take the 256mb of faster memory, and save some money in the process.

Exactly. Save that money and down the road possibly upgrade to a dual videocard configuration. Two 256mb videocards in a dual card setup will beat any single 512mb card configuration hands down. Besides, if you are running AGP, a 512mb card almost defeats the purpose, I would think.

[Running Rampant]

Originally Posted by Tyreal

I agree with Garet. 512mb is overkill. If I had to choose, I'd take the 256mb of faster memory, and save some money in the process.

I agree, but the 512MB actually cost less than the money spent on the 256MB and to buy a new 256MB card would have saved me all of £2.00....hense why I said it was a good deal.

BTW, both mine and my G/F's PC's run AGP slots and not PCI-E, meaning that there isn't that big a choice anyway. Also, if they had a X1950GT here in the UK for around £105-£110 (about $180), I'd have bought it.

Problem is that prices over here are more expensive anyway, the only better ATI graphics card I could find for APG was a 512MB X1950 PRO for £150 (around $270) which was double the 512MB X1650 PRO i got...a bit of a rip-off really

Back on topic though, it doesn't matter at all? There is no differance in running either card?

[garetjax]

Originally Posted by Running Rampant

BTW, both mine and my G/F's PC's run AGP slots and not PCI-E, meaning that there isn't that big a choice anyway. Also, if they had a X1950GT here in the UK for around £105-£110 (about $180), I'd have bought it.

Please see my earlier comment about 512mb videocards and AGP slot solutions in this thread.

[Running Rampant]

Originally Posted by garetjax

Please see my earlier comment about 512mb videocards and AGP slot solutions in this thread.

It was still the best deal though, as a 256MB would have cost pretty much the same....so in my eyes I got an extra 256MB for free, hense its a good deal.

[Tyreal]

Well for 2 pounds more... just get it and be done with it. Either way you won't see a huge difference.